St Louis, Missouri

Biophilic Cities Member since March 15, 2017

The City of St. Louis has a rich and unique natural heritage, including a diversity of ecosystems that provide benefits to city residents and the animal species within the city. By joining the Biophilic Cities Network, the city has committed to several actions. First, the city will work to protect and restore nature and to create opportunities for new connections to the natural world wherever possible. Secondly, St. Louis committed to share information and insights about biophilic tools, techniques, programs, and projects successfully applied in the city. Finally, St. Louis will assist other cities in becoming more biophilic through technical expertise and political and professional support for efforts to protect and expand urban nature. The City of St. Louis harnesses the strength and spirit of its diverse community to create an economically, socially and ecologically vibrant City for present and future generations – one that dynamically serves those who live, work and play in the City’s rich and celebrated historic landscape.

“Cities have long embraced the importance of greenspace to the social, economic and environmental well-being of their residents: parks, trees and other natural resources improve air and water quality, provide important community gathering spaces, shape neighborhood character, enhance aesthetics and support property values. This understanding is now supported by a growing body of research that quantifies and affirms the many benefits of urban nature.

Seizing the opportunity to better connect people to urban nature in ways that maximize economic potential and result in optimal social benefits will require a bold, long-term vision for the future of the City of St. Louis. The City of St. Louis Urban Vitality & Ecology (UVE) Initiative was launched in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Botanical Garden in 2013 to advance objectives in the City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan, and the Mayor’s Sustainability Action Agenda of priority implementation items. In attempting to achieve short and long term goals to connect people with urban natural resources, the UVE initiative will attempt to use a process that engages our diverse community, promotes equity and aligns with stakeholder priorities.”

Milkweeds for Monarchs, Butterflies in the City: To commemorate the city’s 250th birthday in 2014, the mayor challenged citizens to plant butterfly gardens in addition to the 50 gardens the city planted. The program was so successful that it has won grants to expand the work, including the GRO1000 Gardens and Greenspaces grant from the United States Conference of Mayors.